Archive for 2011

SUNY Canton adjunct instructor Donald D. Thompson has focused his career on saving the lives of his neighbors and North Country community members. Recently, those same community members recognized him for the demonstrated passion he has for his work.

Thompson, who has been an instructor in the College’s Emergency Management Technician (EMT) program for nearly 22 years, has been named the 2011 recipient of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors’ Award.

“Don’s work has impacted all of us, whether we realize it or not,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Like Don, many of his students have gone on to be successful in the emergency management field within the county and have helped us, loved ones or friends through tough circumstances. SUNY Canton has benefited and continues to benefit from having him as a member of our campus community.”

Thompson has served the local communities for more than 44 years as a Critical Care EMT, firefighter, and as an instructor for many of the technicians throughout St. Lawrence County.

“Don not only volunteers his time as an educator; he is also a highly skilled Critical Care EMT who mentors others in action,” said Margaret Madden, Canton-Potsdam Hospital Board of Directors Chair. “He has saved countless lives and helped others to save lives, too. Don has made a lasting impact on emergency medicine in our community; we are healthier and safer for his contribution.”

More than 50 members of Potsdam and Canton's Fire and Rescue Squad teams gathered to show their support for Thompson after he received the award earlier in June.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy will be featured in an upcoming higher education publication designed to inform and educate industry experts and executives.

Kennedy was recently interviewed for an article in Education Executive magazine and discusses the difficult task that laid ahead for the incoming president when he arrived in 1993. In the article, Kennedy explains why he said yes to the role when most people wouldn’t have entertained taking on the challenge and illustrates the success of the programs he implemented over the past 18 years.

“I say yes all the time,” Kennedy said in the article. “Want to know why? Because you have to be open to new ideas and willing to take risks if you want to keep moving forward. What we’ve achieved didn’t come from my efforts alone. It came from the hard work of our faculty and staff to develop new programs and come up with new ideas. I just had to be willing to support them.”

Kennedy is now the longest tenured active SUNY president. Read the full article here.

When Kennedy’s tenure began, he quickly realized he would need to take the College in a different direction and add bachelor’s degrees. With the support of former SUNY Chancellor Bruce Johnstone, eighteen years later, SUNY Canton has the same number of bachelor’s degrees as associate degrees, all of which are in high-demand and geared towards providing students with a hands-on education that prepares them for careers following graduation. The College has also experienced exponential growth in enrollment and the physical campus itself has grown under his guidance. SUNY Canton most recently added a new athletic facility and will open a new residence hall in Fall 2011.

Throughout the article, Kennedy reiterates the reason why he continues to do what he does: to improve the learning experience for students. In addition to the growth in bachelor’s degrees, he’s encouraged faculty members to earn their doctorate degrees by having the College spend $1 million to help them do so. He’s also added online degree programs, international study abroad and dual degree opportunities, and other innovative programs.

Education Executive covers topics such as management, new technologies, marketing programs, security, facilities and operations, as well as financial and legal issues.

Nafeesa A. Johnson, a SUNY Canton Law Enforcement Leadership student from Brooklyn, was elected as a representative for SUNY agricultural and technical colleges.

An outgoing and respected student leader at SUNY Canton has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the SUNY Student Assembly.

Nafeesa A. Johnson, a Law Enforcement Leadership student from Brooklyn, will be a representative for the agricultural and technical Colleges within SUNY.

“Nafeesa is the first student from SUNY Canton to be elected to this position that we know about,” said Michael J. Perry, the executive director of the SUNY Canton College Association. “She’s done a wonderful job as president of the College Activities Board and I’m certain that she will lend her charisma and enthusiasm to her post with the SUNY student governing body.”

The SUNY Student Assembly is purported to be the only statewide student government organization, and works on behalf of the over 435,000 students that attend school at one of the sixty-four SUNY Campuses. Students are elected by their peers to work on issues that concern the entire SUNY system including tuition, budgets, textbook affordability, and transfer and articulation policies.

“I’ve wanted to be on the executive committee since I found out about it,” Johnson said. “I have a feeling that I can help students from other campuses. I’m hoping we can inspire the more open lines of communication between students and administration, much like the ones we have with SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy.”

Johnson is an active member of SUNY Canton. She’s rallied students at home sporting events and participated in discussions with faculty and administration members on joint projects. “My philosophy is simple – gain respect by giving it,” Johnson said.

She explained that her appointment was a great professional stepping stone in the path toward her future career. “I can see myself working in a community development role in the future,” she said.

SUNY Canton Student Government Association president Jennifer P. Bernadotte, a management major from Brooklyn who graduated in May, nominated Johnson for the position.

A new study abroad experience in the Balkans will immerse SUNY Canton students in a part of the world famous for its traditional religious diversity and long and rich history.

The College’s School of Business and Liberal Arts, as well as the Canino School of Engineering Technology, have implemented a study abroad program with the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AUBiH) beginning in the 2011-12 academic year.

“Through conversations I’ve had with students from the American University in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’ve learned how much they’ve valued their experience and how much they’ve learned about better serving the global community,” President Joseph L. Kennedy said. “We are now able to offer our students this same opportunity and the chance to work with the wonderful faculty and staff members at the university. As our two institutions continue to build upon the relationship we have with each other, the biggest benefactors will be our students.”

Students can spend a summer, a semester or an entire year abroad at AUBiH’s Sarajevo campus. Because of the College’s dual degree program with AUBiH, students studying legal studies, finance or information technology will be encouraged to take part because of the ease of course selection. Those interested in science, humanities, history and other related disciplines should also consider participation in the study abroad program. Students who are eligible to apply for the program are sophomores with a 2.7 GPA or higher.

Students from other SUNY institutions as well as private colleges and universities can also participate in the program. SUNY Canton is the only school in the SUNY system to offer a study abroad program in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Many of our students have expressed a sincere interest in this program,” said Marela Fiacco, director of international programs. “Becoming immersed in another culture, no matter how long, can be a life-changing experience. It gives students a different perspective on global business and politics, as well as the global economy. Employers love to see students who embrace opportunities such as this because they understand how invaluable the experience is.”

The institutions’ relationship dates back to 2006, when discussions began about SUNY Canton offering AUBiH students a summer abroad program. Since, the College has developed a dual degree program with AUBiH that allows students to remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina while taking SUNY Canton courses, delivered in an asynchronous online format, in order to earn degrees from both the College and AUBiH.

AUBiH students can earn bachelor’s degrees from the College in finance, information technology, and legal studies. President Kennedy recently traveled to AUBiH to graduate SUNY Canton’s second class of students earning dual degrees from both institutions. The number of students in the program has more than tripled in its second year with close to 70 students graduating in 2011, compared to 21 in 2010.

SUNY Canton’s upcoming Alumni Weekend celebration will include the induction of the first 25 members to the College’s newly created Hall of Fame.

The college-wide Hall of Fame, designed to honor people who have made significant contributions to the College, will conduct its first induction ceremony at a special dinner on Friday, June 10 in Chaney Dining Center. The Alumni Weekend will also include alumni games in SUNY Canton’s new Roos House athletic center on Saturday, June 11.

Those eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame include, but are not limited to, alumni, founders, community members, and retired faculty and staff members. The first class also includes past presidents, athletes and coaches.

“Our inductees have made SUNY Canton a priority in their lives,” said Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy, SUNY Canton president. “We honor them for their involvement with our community, their personal successes, and the impact they’ve made on SUNY Canton. These are the people our students will look up to, appreciate and aspire to be.”

The class is just the first installment of the Hall of Fame’s Century Club, which will include the College’s first 100 inductees. The College will induct three more groups of 25 in the next 18 months.

“So many people have impacted our College in significant ways, but we could not induct them all at once,” Kennedy noted. “We wanted to make sure we took the time to honor each individual in the way they deserve to be honored and recognized. In the coming year and a half, we will induct the other members of the Century Club and from there, continue with annual inductions.”

The inaugural Hall of Fame inductees include:

Leon E. Bagley, class of 1948, graduated with an engineering technology degree and worked at GE for 35 years. He was a World War II veteran and enrolled at Canton ATI under the GI Bill. He was passionate about education and the North Country. The Bagleys have had three generations attend the College: his son Timothy graduated in 1985 and his grandson Alexander graduated in 2005. Bagley was instrumental in creating his sister-in-law Alice Bagley’s scholarship in 1997. At the time, it was the largest scholarship in the history of the College. He and his wife established the Leon and Rachael Bagley Endowed Scholarship in 2002. General Electric matched the funds in excess of $220,000 with an additional $150,000 given at the time of his death;

William Brown, class of 1961, who was one of the finest basketball players in the history of the College and went on to become one of the original members of the Harlem Globetrotters. Following his career at Canton ATC, he played Division I basketball at Texas Western and has enjoyed an extremely successful business career. He currently works as a director at UBS Financial Services in Weehawken, N.J. Brown’s Northmen had a record of 34-5 in his two years in Canton;

Barbara A. Burnham, class of 1946, who is a long time generous donor and has supported scholarships for students at SUNY Canton. She was a teacher for many years and also enjoyed a successful real estate career. She made the College a priority in her philanthropic efforts, establishing an endowed scholarship in her name. She gave a large gift during the troubled economic times because of her commitment to making higher education possible for SUNY Canton students. She has been an active member of the Alumni Association since graduation and published a poem about the College titled, ‘Dear Aggie;’

Alden C. Chadwick, who devoted 28 years of service to the College Association as a member of the Board of Directors. He served as the assistant dean of students and was the College’s first director of financial aid. One of his most prominent roles was serving as director of athletics, where he helped expand women’s sport offerings. A scholarship was established in his name in 1993 that honors a senior student who has demonstrated academic success while participating in an intercollegiate athletic program. He was also a Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee (1988) and high school and college basketball referee;

Elaine Claxton Pidgeon, class of 1939, who ultimately became director of home economics and food services in the North Syracuse Central School District and served as president of the New York State School Food Service Association. She donated one of the largest gifts to the College to help support outstanding students pursue their scholarly goals. During her years at Canton, Pidgeon was one of the winners of Payson Lecture, a highly competitive speech competition dating back to that time period. After leaving Canton, she became very well known for her extraordinary philanthropic efforts throughout central and northern New York;

Stanley W. Cohen, who worked at the College for 39 years and eventually became SUNY Canton’s Athletic Director and served in that capacity until 1972. He began his Canton career as basketball coach and as an accounting instructor. He led some of the most successful basketball teams in the history of the College and coached fellow Hall of Famers William Brown and Robert C. Rogers. During his tenure, he expanded the sport offerings by adding hockey, wrestling, cross country, and baseball. Under his leadership, the Canton Aggies became the Northmen. He was an integral part of the athletic department over a span of five decades until his departure in 1996;

Evan M. Dana, class of 1931, who contributed 40 years of service to SUNY Canton. He was a faculty member and chairman of the Division of Agriculture, coach of several athletic teams and was instrumental in the early history of the Alumni Association, serving as president from 1935 to 1939. He was named the College’s Distinguished Citizen in 1977 and the College’s former athletic facility, Dana Hall, was named in honor of his many contributions;

John L. Halford, Sr., class of 1949 and World War II veteran, who is one of SUNY Canton’s biggest supporters. He established two scholarships and his gifts have led to several naming opportunities around campus, including the Halford Lobby in the Faculty Office Building and the John L. Halford Alumni Suite in the College’s new Roos House athletic center. In 1999, he became the College’s first member of the Legacy Society by establishing a $50,000 charitable remainder trust and in 2010 he received the College’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He serves on the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors;

Herman W. Kalberer, who was a professor in chemistry for 37 years and played a critical role in establishing the Honors Convocation Luncheon. He was a favorite among students because he challenged them in the classroom so they could be successful in their careers. The chemistry labs in Cook Hall are dedicated to him and his many efforts, including his generous gifts to the College that have assisted non-traditional students complete their studies. He was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry in 2003;

Harry E. King, class of 1940,who worked at the College for 37 years and started the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program in 1946. One of the most profound ways King influenced SUNY Canton was teaching, developing a wonderfully crafted air conditioning program that prepared students for successful careers in the field.He was the recipient of several awards and is a former Alumni Association president. In 2008, more than 200 alumni, family and friends of King came together early in the year and raised $150,000 to name the new air conditioning laboratory after him to honor the impact he had on their lives;

Terry L. Martin, who served as the College’s head men’s ice hockey coach from 1974-1999, compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His team won 12 national championship titles throughout his career. Martin also served as men’s athletic director, women’s soccer coach, men’s lacrosse coach and taught in the physical education department. He was the 2009 recipient of the American Hockey Coaches Association’s prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award, recognizing the effect Martin had on the collegiate sport;

Virginia M. McAllister, who was the first director of the College’s nursing program. She spent 42 years in the nursing profession, including her last 14 years with the College. Today, the nursing program is one of the most popular and successful programs at SUNY Canton. The Virginia McAllister Award for Excellence in Nursing was established in 1979;

Richard W. Miller, who dedicated 65 years to SUNY Canton and was a distinguished professor of electrical engineering technology for 37 years. In 1976, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The prior year, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America. In 1982, he received the SUNY Canton College Council’s Distinguished Faculty Award. Miller is an esteemed advisor to the Alpha chapter of the Theta Gamma Fraternity, a post he has held since 1948. He remains an active member of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Richard W. Miller Campus Center is named in honor of his generous gifts to the College;

Peter Nevaldine, who introduced the industrial chemistry and technical electricity programs to the College in 1937. In 1946, he developed and introduced the mechanical, air conditioning, and production supervision curricula. His guidance direction ushered in the automotive technology, construction and civil technology, engineering science, and industrial technology programs. Under Nevaldine’s leadership, the engineering technology division became the first publicly supported school among AAS-granting institutions to receive accreditation from the Engineering Council for Professional Development. In 1988, the SUNY Board of Trustees resolved that the College’s engineering technology building be renamed Peter Nevaldine Hall on the 15th anniversary of his retirement. His students are among the most successful to graduate from the College;

Ronald J. O’Brien, who was the first hockey coach at the College. His efforts and determination were critical in the success of the program, as O’Brien captured the College’s first two national junior college championships. He also won seven regional titles and compiled an impressive record of 133-27 in his tenure;

Jean M. Parker, who began her 15-year career at SUNY Canton as associate dean of students and dean of women. She became the College’s first female vice president when she took the role of vice president of student affairs and dean of students on July 1, 1976. She nurtured the development of the student affairs division during the College’s rapidly growing student enrollment period of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Parker established an endowment that provides students the opportunity to further their leadership potential;

Robert C. Rogers, class of 1960, who was a member of one of the most successful basketball teams in the College’s history both years he attended the College. He enjoyed a successful career for 41 years in the elevator industry and recently made a gift to the College honoring Coach Stanley Cohen that will provide SUNY Canton students with scholarships to help them achieve their educational goals. Rogers’ Northmen had a record of 34-6 in his two years at Canton. He went on to play Division I basketball at New Mexico State;

Emma D. Rose, who is considered by many as the biggest supporter of SUNY Canton Athletics in the history of the College. She was a favorite among coaches, players and other fans, traveling the world with the hockey team and housing a number of players until the late 1980s. She committed herself to the athletic programs for multiple generations. Her commitment to the hockey program earned her the right to drop the first puck at the junior college national tournament when it was held in Canton. Rose worked in a number of capacities at the College while supporting the Northmen; she worked as a stenographer in the Division of Arts and Sciences from 1966 until her retirement in 1979. She continued working at the College on a temporary basis until 1986, working in several departments on the campus, including the President’s office;

Louis H. Saban, who helped launch the SUNY Canton football program in 1995 and coached the team for six years, the longest stint of his career. Saban spent 16 seasons coaching professional football with the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and the Denver Broncos. He compiled a 34-16 record during his career at SUNY Canton, including a 7-0 high mark during his first season at the helm of the program. The College’s football field was proudly named in his honor in the late 90′s. He also spent time as president of the New York Yankees working closely with famed owner George Steinbrenner;

Lottie E. Southworth, who joined the College’s staff after teaching at local public schools and served as an assistant to an instructor in domestic arts. She helped shape the College as one of the most influential early instructors. She worked primarily with the women and provided them with the experience needed to be successful in domestic professions. Southworth supervised the Practice House, located near campus, where students learned to cook, clean and entertain and host guests. She was a favorite among her students and commanded the respect of everyone on campus. Each year, she hosted a tea for everyone at the College at her home in the village. After retiring in 1945, the Southworth Library was named in her honor;

Wesley L. Stitt, who has assisted countless North Country high school students in taking the next steps in their education. He chaired the College Council from 1996-2008 and has served in a variety of roles at SUNY Canton since 1964. He was the superintendent of the Ogdensburg City School District until his retirement in 1990. Stitt was the recipient of the President’s Meritorious Service Award in 2010 and was the College’s Distinguished Citizen in 2008. He was at the helm of the College Council during a period where SUNY Canton experienced dramatic growth both in enrollment numbers and four-year degree programs. Stitt was instrumental in securing funds for the Newell Veterinary Technology Center, the Richard W. Miller Campus Center, and the College’s new Roos House athletic center. He is a consistent proponent of SUNY Canton’s award-winning Steel Bridge Team and the University Police Department;

Margaret P. Vining, who worked at the college for 28 years and retired in 1996 as associate dean of the school of health and medical technology. She began work at SUNY Canton in 1968 as an instructional support associate in the nursing lab and later was named director of the nursing program. Under her leadership, the nursing program thrived and the College was able to establish the bachelor’s degree in health services management. A favorite among students, she was one of only 407 nurses statewide to receive the Nurse of Distinction designation in 1991, which is based upon significant contributions to the field of nursing;

Erich L. vonSchiller, who served the College for 32 years as an instructor and a coach for four sports teams and is professor emeritus of physical education. He came to the campus as a physical education instructor in 1967 and started the College’s soccer team, which became one of the top programs in the nation after only two years. He was the assistant basketball coach until 1973 when he took over the program. He also coached baseball and lacrosse for one year. VonSchiller’s teams were highly successful, competing in regional and national tournaments, while several of his players were named All-Americans. He retired with more than 1,000 total wins across his collegiate coaching career; and

John H. Wells, class of 1951, who established the College’s one-year heating and plumbing service program after owning his own heating and plumbing business for 17 years. He taught at the College for 23 years until his retirement in 1991. His wife Shirley established an endowment scholarship in his honor to recognize his wonderful teaching contributions; his students are among the College’s most successful alumni.

Earl W. and Joyce A. MacArthur, who have positively influenced the college for more than 35 years. The SUNY Canton Foundation was created through their vision and foresight. It continues to thrive with their continuing input and guidance. MacArthur served as the College’s President from 1972 to 1993 and ensured a brighter future for SUNY Canton despite the difficult challenges it faced. The College honored him for his leadership in 2005 by naming him the recipient of the annual Distinguished Citizen award;

Future SUNY Canton students will benefit from the generosity of an alumnus who wanted to recognize the accomplishments of his former basketball coach, mentor and friend.

Robert C. Rogers, class of 1960, recently made a $100,000 gift to honor Stanley Cohen, who served as an instructor, a coach, and an athletic director throughout his 39-year tenure with the College.

“Student-athletes spend just as much time practicing as they do in the classroom, so it’s no surprise when they reflect on their collegiate careers and realize their coaches are the ones who encouraged them to go on to do great things,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Stan Cohen is a great example of this as he served as a mentor to his athletes, colleagues and community members. We thank Bob for his gift to the College, which illustrates Stan’s influence on SUNY Canton.”

The Stanley Cohen Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to scholar-athletes who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement and financial need and are United States citizens.

Cohen, a graduate of Hobart College and a dual-sport athlete for the Statesmen, came to SUNY Canton in 1957 and started out as the basketball coach and an accounting instructor. He eventually became the College’s athletic director and served in that capacity until 1972. He expanded the sport offerings by adding hockey, wrestling, cross country, and baseball.

Under his leadership, the Canton Aggies became the Northmen as a way of differentiating themselves from the other agricultural and technical schools. He retired in 1996 from the physical education department.

“Stan not only had a profound impact on his players, but on the College as well,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “He was able to garner support and build the foundation for SUNY Canton athletics. The growth of our athletic program over the last several decades is because of the work Stan put in to creating it.”

For Rogers, honoring Cohen through an endowed scholarship was the perfect tribute to his coach, who emphasized the importance of students achieving both their athletic and educational goals.

“Stan instilled a work ethic in each of us that we knew we needed to be successful,” he said. “He had a steadying effect on the squad and was a dynamic and energetic coach who helped us grow and develop as players and people.”

Rogers majored in electrical technology and was an integral part of the basketball squad’s success thanks to his impressive rebounding and defensive skills. He helped guide the team to a 34-6 overall record in his two years on the squad.

Following his career with the Northmen, the Watertown native played basketball for New Mexico State. Rogers worked in the elevator industry for 41 years, which included an 11-year stint with Otis Elevator Company before he joined the Miami Elevator Company, where he worked for 30 years. He now resides in Cape Coral, Fla., with his wife, Margaret.

North Country community members interested in getting involved in energy efficiency projects are encouraged to attend an upcoming presentation at SUNY Canton.

SUNY Canton’s Arthur S. Garno, the site coordinator for Building Performance Institute (BPI) recognized training, is offering an informational presentation beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14 in Payson Hall Room 124 on the College’s campus. There is no cost for the session.

The presentation will be geared towards those looking to become a BPI-accredited contracting company for construction projects that include energy efficiency measures. BPI is a leading developer of technical standards, training and professional credentialing for home performance assessments, building envelope retrofits and HVAC system retrofits.

SUNY Canton is the area’s training center for becoming a BPI-certified home energy auditor.

Only BPI-accredited contractors with BPI-certified staff are eligible to participate in New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program that provides incentives to homeowners for energy efficiency retrofit work.

In addition to the presentation, an online ‘Basics of Building Science’ course will take place over the summer for those looking to enter the field with limited construction knowledge.

To RSVP or for more information regarding the event, contact Garno at (315) 386-7197 or garnoa@canton.edu.

As SUNY Canton’s new athletic facility nears completion, SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy presented the College’s highest honor to a staff member who has been vital throughout the construction process of the building.

Michael R. McCormick, director of facilities, received the 2011 President’s Meritorious Service Award from SUNY Canton at the College’s Recognition Day on May 26.

“There is not a part of this campus that Mike’s hard work has not touched,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Without him, many of our larger renovations, new buildings and construction projects would not have been possible. His efforts to make this campus an even better place for students, faculty and staff have been exceptional.”

McCormick’s work with the Roos House athletic center received high praise from Kennedy at Recognition Day, which was just the second event held in the new facility. “We had the privilege of celebrating our faculty and staff members, as well as the College’s accomplishments, in the new building. That would not have been possible without the thousands of hours Mike put in to the athletic facility.”

As McCormick accepted the award, he thanked his family for their support and his staff for their work in making the athletic facility a reality. “My colleagues and the consultants and contractors responsible for the design and construction of the facility all worked together as a team,” he said. “It was everyone’s collective efforts that made this all possible.”

In his 14 years with the College, McCormick has taken on more responsibilities which include being SUNY Canton’s main interface with the State University Construction Fund and overseeing the College’s Physical Plant.

Throughout his tenure, McCormick has played a role in the many physical changes to the College’s campus. Recently, he has directed the rehabilitation of Nevaldine Hall and the first floor of Wicks Hall, as well as the repair and repurposing of Dana Hall. He also oversaw the construction of the Richard W. Miller Campus Center and the Newell Veterinary Technology Center.

In 1985, McCormick graduated from SUNY Canton with an associate degree in applied science in civil engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.

He lives in Canton with his wife, Amy, and their children, Andrew and Breda.

SUNY Canton’s annual alumni weekend will be highlighted by games in the brand-new Roos House Athletic Center and an inaugural College-wide Hall of Fame induction.

Alumni weekend will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, June 10, with events lasting through Sunday, June 12, at venues around campus and the Canton community.

The College’s Alumni Office made special invitation to former student-athletes, coaches and fans to help celebrate the completion of the $42-million athletic facility.

“The idea for this year’s alumni weekend is based on the incredibly successful hockey reunion we held in 2006,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “We’ve extended an invitation to former athletes and coaches from all sports, but we hope that all alumni come take part in this important moment in the College’s history.”

At the previous hockey reunion, nearly 200 players returned to their alma mater. Select guests were chosen to ceremonially break the ice for the new building, which included plans to bring a rink to the college’s campus for the first time.

“With the opening of the Roos House, SUNY Canton will enjoy ‘home ice’ for the first time ever,” noted Terry Martin, who served as the College’s head men’s ice hockey coach for 25 years and compiled a record of 527-211-29 that also included 12 national championship titles. Martin also served as men’s athletic director, women’s soccer coach, men’s lacrosse coach and taught in the physical education department at various points while at SUNY Canton.

“I’ve been to athletic centers across the country and this is among the best that I’ve seen,” he said.

The College’s inaugural Hall of Fame induction will also take place during the weekend. The dinner will celebrate 25 alumni, retired faculty, staff, and college founders who have made significant contributions to the history of SUNY Canton and the surrounding community.

“Our alumni and friends have accomplished so much throughout their lifetime and we are proud to honor them in this way,” said Julie Parkman, associate director of development. “The Hall of Fame and its members tell SUNY Canton’s story through their examples of dedication and service.”

Over the next two years, the College will celebrate 100 inductees who will be known as the Hall of Fame Century Club. Annual inductions will take place once the Century Club is in place.

SUNY Canton recently honored a member of the College’s Physical Plant staff for her positive demeanor and attentiveness to the needs of her office and the College community.

Tammy L. Carr is the 2011 recipient of the SUNY Canton College Council’s Employee Recognition Award, which recognizes a member of the classified staff who demonstrates exceptional service and effectiveness in performance.

“Tammy is willing to do anything no matter the situation she faces,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “She will take on extra work to ensure everything gets done and does so with a smile. The entire campus community enjoys working with her because of her positive attitude and outlook.”

Carr graduated from SUNY Canton in 1987 with her associate degree in secretarial science. She began working in the Physical Plant soon after as a Stenographer and was promoted to Keyboard Specialist 2 in December 1996. In 2003, Carr was promoted her current position as Secretary 1.

“Tammy has developed into the main hub in the everyday operation of the Physical Plant in its relationship with the rest of the campus,” said Randall W. Teele, general mechanic and colleague.

Associate Facilities Program Coordinator Bruce F. Alexander echoed Teele’s sentiments. “Tammy is the ‘critical link’ between the campus and the physical plant staff office and she is willing to wear whatever hat is needed to make sure that the critical needs of students, faculty and staff are met. Her 24 years of service at SUNY Canton has given her a broad base of experience in the daily operations of the campus that she uses to provide practical solutions to problems and ensure quality services to the campus community.”

Carr is the 16th recipient of the award. She was recognized during the College’s Recognition Day on Thursday, May 26. She lives in Lisbon with her husband, Rick, and son, Andrew. Her daughter Amanda and granddaughter Alexia live in Norfolk.